Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Who has the Pumpkin?

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy pumpkins. My OSU Extension county office is located in Circleville, Ohio; home of The Circleville Pumpkin Show where you can find everything made from pumpkins. Although the show is over for 2016, check out the giant pumpkins shown at the event. Some of these pumpkins weighed over 1,600 pounds! When you visit the show, you can taste a wide variety of food items made from pumpkin. We have everything from pumpkin chili and sloppy joes, to pumpkin pancakes, to my personal favorite, pumpkin brownies.

Did you know that Halloween pumpkins are edible? Look for pumpkins that are firm and heavy for their size. They are good sources of Vitamins A & C. Pumpkins are also fat, cholesterol and sodium free. One half cup of pumpkin contains 25 calories, 6 grams total carbohydrate, 3 grams sugars, 1 gram protein and 1 gram of dietary fiber.

Looking for new ways to add pumpkin to your day? Try some of these recipe ideas:

Pumpkin Seeds – when carving your pumpkin, take the seeds out and roast them. Kids love getting their hands all gooey with the fibers that attach to the seeds. Add a little salt and you can enjoy a nutritious snack.